6 Spring Break Safety Tips For the Road

This spring break, it’s important to make travel safety your top priority as you prepare for busier highways as motorists make their way to the beach, lakes, and other warm water destinations. Increased traffic often accompanies spring break, and we urge drivers to obey all traffic laws and drive responsibly during their travels. Here are a few tips and ways to ensure that you enjoy a safe spring break and keep you and your family safe while you travel during spring break.

Safe Spring Break Tip #1: DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

Of all the spring break traveling tips in this guide we put this first: If your activities include consuming alcohol, plan beforehand to make sure you have a designated driver to escort you and your party back home safely. There are plenty of ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft that can give you a ride home. If you are the designated driver, commit to your responsibility, and do not drive intoxicated.

Spring Break Safety Tip #2: BUCKLE UP––IT’S THE LAW

Our next spring break safety tip is a no-brainer (and not just for students on vacation): BUCKLE UP. Every travel vehicle comes equipped with a seatbelt, and for a good reason. Seat belts are designed to not only keep you from being thrown from your vehicle, but also to absorb the impact of a crash. To arrive safely at your spring break destination, travel wearing both your lap belt and your shoulder belt for the best bodily protection. Remember—“if you don’t click it, you will get a ticket.”

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

In 2019, distracted driving accounted for 8.5% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. Anything that takes your focus off of the road is a danger to you and your passengers. Distracted driving while you travel isn’t just limited to texting and driving––eating, fiddling with your GPS, or turning the radio dial are all distracting activities that could result in an accident. Remember, during your spring break trip to keep your eyes on the road to ensure you and your passengers arrive at your destination unharmed.

DON’T RECLINE YOUR SEAT

On a long road trip, it’s tempting to recline your car seat to maximize comfort in a cramped vehicle. You should keep in mind, though, that reclining your seat makes your seatbelt essentially useless, and will hinder it from protecting you in the event of a car accident. More space between you and the seatbelt increases the risk of an injury or, in severe cases, death. If you need a break during any spring break travel, consider pulling into a rest stop to get out and stretch before getting back into the car.

USE THE LEFT LANE FOR PASSING ONLY 

On multi-lane highways, use the left lane for passing only. All 50 states permit drivers to use the left lane for passing for no more than 1.5 miles. Not only is this a courteous gesture, but it allows traffic to move more smoothly. Hogging the left lane can cause traffic to build up, and increases the risk of an accident. Driving slowly in the left lane seems like it keeps would-be speeders from causing an accident, but it’s more dangerous than you think. If in doubt, stay in the right lane.

Top Travel Safety tips: SLOW DOWN

Last but by no means least on our travel safety tips list: SLOW DOWN. Many people drive as if they’ll never make it to their destinations on time. This behavior is reckless, and not only increases the risk of an accident, but makes it more likely that the accident will be fatal––especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic, and unfamiliar places. There is a direct correlation between speeding and serious crashes on highways. Do the right thing. Don’t speed.

Spring break should be a time of relaxing and recuperating––not filling out a traffic infraction or insurance document. Follow these spring break safety tips to minimize the chance of an accident getting in the way of your time with family and friends.

For more legal advice and support, contact Wettermark Keith today.

FAQ’s on Spring Break Safety Tips

What are the dangers during spring break?

Reckless driving, heavy drinking, drug use, and all-night parties. Teens and students are more susceptible to serious car accidents if they engage in this type of reckless behavior.

How can you be safe on a trip?

1. Make sure you research your destination to avoid dangerous places.
2. Don’t draw attention.
3. Make copies of important personal documents and information.
4. Keep your friends and family updated.
5. Be wary of public Wi-Fi.
6. Safeguard your hotel room.
7. Be aware of your surroundings.